Chief Justice Ronald M. George, in his annual State of the Judiciary address, urged lawmakers to find the money to fill 100 new judgeships, saying the additional judges are needed to ease a growing backlog of criminal and civil cases.
In his speech, George said that the Judicial Council in 2005 sought authorization for 150 judicial positions, seeking 50 new judgeships in three successive years. The first group of 50 was authorized and funded. The second set was approved in 2007, but funding has been twice delayed, and now the funding is contingent upon reaching the trigger mark in federal stimulus finds. Contingent funds also are provided for the last 50 positions in June 2010. The Civil Justice Association of California has supported establishing and funding new judicial positions.
George urged support for Senate Bill 377 (Corbett), which would authorize the last group of new judicial positions.
He added that the courts are "keenly aware" of the state's budget problems and are taking steps to hold down costs by implementing voluntary employee furloughs, keeping vacant positions open and reducing the number of hours they are open, among other steps, according to an Associated Press article in The Sacramento Bee.
George also noted the appointment of the Commission for Impartial Courts, which is tasked with studying and making recommendations to ensure that California's courts remain impartial and accountable. In January, George appointed CJAC President John H. Sullivan to serve on the Commission.